What is Bar Bending? - Schedule and Correct Concrete Reinforcement

Bar bending schedule or bar scheme diagram is theThe bar bending schedule is used to communicate
comprehensive representation of cut and bend barsrequirements for cut & bent shapes from the
as per the design requirements of reinforcementdetailer to the fabricator. The schedule contains
detailer. It helps in determining appropriate materialspecialized notes to describe various reinforcing
quantities, strength and cost estimation.materials available in the market - including different
Bar bending schedule is used as a guide in positioninggrades of standard stainless steels (BS6744), carbon
various structural members such as footings, beams,steels (BS4449) & special steels.
columns, girders, piles, walls, etc upon casting.Although the process of cutting and bending of
Some examples are the bending of hooks, bending ofreinforcement is relatively complex, the fabricator is
stirrups & ties, meeting point of the top andwell equipped to do the job within a definite set of
bottom bars, bend for anchorages, bend of bars inquality management criteria. The precision of cutting
slabs, U straps, and bend for longitudinal position ofand bending activities is crucial to ensure appropriate
re-bars. Bar scheme diagram requires a thoroughfit on site and to facilitate necessary anchorage
structural analysis for better safety and stability oflengths, lap lengths and cover.
the concrete structure.In recent times basic practices of cutting and bending
In the UK, BS 8666:2000 standard specifieshave changed considerably due to increased use of
requirements for bar bending, scheduling, dimensioningcomputer control, automation and IT systems. A
and cutting of reinforcing steels. BS8666 has graduallyrecent development is carpet reinforcement which
replaced old BS 4466 standard which is still beingconsists of a series of reinforcing bars welded to a
used in some contracts. The discrepancy in shapelean steel strip. It can be rolled up like a carpet and is
codes between these standards is significant andsuitable for reinforcement of many types of slabs. It
sometimes lead to contradiction. Hence, it is crucialis observed that carpet system can offer savings of
that the standard being used is clearly stated on theup to 30-40% in material & 80-90% in fixing
schedule.costs!